Thursday, October 30, 2008

I'm a little late posting (crazy week) but thought I would still share since there are a couple days left to jump on some good deals. K-Mart is having a Super Double Manufacturer's Coupon Sale, Sunday, October 26th - Saturday, November 1, 2008. Doubling coupons up to and including $2 value. This was on the bottom of this week's sales ad. I would suggest calling your store and asking if they are participating before going. There is a limit of 75 coupons per day.

Sign Up for Toys R Us and Babies R Us FREE RewardsRUs program & receive a free shipping code up to $15 upon registration! Toyrus has a new Rewards "R" Us program that has valuable savings, perks, and membership benefits only!

You will received benefits such as earning "R"Us dollars, diaper rewards program, member only discounts (single use promotion codes/coupons), member shopping nights, and recall notifications.

On Election Day, November 4, 2008, participating Krispy Kreme stores will be offering a free star-shaped doughnut, with white icing and red, white and blue sprinkles, to each customer wearing an "I Voted" sticker. The promotion is limited to one per customer.

Please call your local Krispy Kreme store now to find out if they are participating.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Just wanted to post a reminder of the FREE Home Depot Kid Clinic for November. Not familiar with this clinics? You can read some my previous posts here and here about the Home Depot and Lowe's Kid's Clinics.

On Saturday, November 8, 2008 from noon-3pm, select Wal-Mart stores will be hosting a Barbie Cares event.Bring in a Barbie doll and it will be used to explore toy recyclability.But that’s not all, they will also donate a new doll to a local children’s hospital for each doll received.

Dress your daughter like a princess and bring her out to have her picture taken with Barbie. You will receive a FREE Kodak Picture Maker 4x7 print.There will also be free giveaways, while supplies last.

How about some food freebies? Become an Arby's Extras Member and receive a coupon for a free Beef 'n Cheddar. They will also send you other coupons occasionally. Join Bob Evans' BE-mail and receive a free kids meal & drink off in your confirmation email.

On Friday, October 31 from 1 - 5pm, all Toys 'R' Us stores across the country will host a 'spooktacularly' safe Halloween celebration for kids and families. The event is for children ages 3 and up. Those who attend the in-store Trick 'R' Treat event, can:

Dress in costume and receive a complimentary, reusable and reflective Trick"R"Treat bag, filled with safety tips and accessories, while supplies last;

Join Geoffrey the Giraffe as he leads a costume parade around the store every hour on the hour, from 1 - 5pm, picking up treats along the way, while supplies last;

Take home "Geoffrey's Safety Pledge," a checklist with key tips for parents to review with their children before trick-or-treating, created by Toys"R"Us and Safe Kids Worldwide.

Click here to find a location near you. You may even want to call your store.

Restaurant.com offers gift certificates for restaurants, at discount prices. You can pay $2 for a $25 gift certificate or $.60 for a $10 gift certificate . You can buy a $25 gift certificate to selected restaurants for only $2!Yes, that’s right $2 – use code TREATS when you checkout.

If you’re like me, when you first hear about this wonderful deal, you’re a little skeptical.You think it’s not legit?It is.You think there’s a catch?That there is but like any coupon or rebate, there’s a catch.But really, there’s nothing major that I found.Just things like – dine in only, minimum purchase requirements, excludes alcohol, no weekends…they vary by restaurant.Read the fine print before heading out to use your certificates.

Once you sign up and order your gift certificates, you simply print them out from your computer. This works out nicely when going out to dinner at the last-minute. It is nice to enjoy a nice dinner or a new local restaurant for a fraction of the price.

Now is the time to stock up for yourself and gifts, too - they do not expire for a full year!Remember, if you are purchasing these for someone outside your area, enter their zip code to find participating restaurants in their area.

If you have a Upromise account, you can purchase them through their website and earn 15% back! If checking out through Upromise, use the code PUMPKIN. They are still the same price...you just earn some money back in your Upromise account.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Well, we were doing good on our menu plan until my fiancé came home. He ended up working out of town until Friday so the Turkey Breast in Roasted Red Bell Pepper BBQ Sauce got moved to Sunday night. He decided that he didn't want freezer meals when he got in so we ordered out on Friday and he made chili on Saturday.

This week is going to be tough with following a menu plan since my fiancé is on vacation this week. He's not a planner so I've highlighted what we will be having this week and tied it to a day but the days may change. Hopefully we can get our freezer meals in otherwise I'll be passing them off to another family member that will eat them.I do have a question for the readers. I don't eat meat on a bone so I never cook it. Almost all the meat we got from the pig is bone-in. Does it get cooked as normal? Or are there "special" directions for cooking bone-in meat?

Well, I made it out of the house early again this Sunday. So, I decided to run to CVS for some Halloween candy.3 Fun Size Kit Kat $1.50 each - $4.503 Fun Size M&M $1.50 each - $4.503 Fun Size Peanut M&M $1.50 each - $4.501 Fuze Drink $1.59

All of these items are limit one.The SCR is single check rebate, Rite Aid’s rebate program.These rebates are for November.You can claim your rebate online.My suggestion is to enter the receipts as you bring them home.Then at the end of the money submit for your check.You are only allowed one check per month.

These two rebates valid three days only: 10/26 to 10/28, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

There will be more at Kroger than just special deals on Tuesday, October28th from 4pm- midnight. Bring the kids dressed in their costumes for a costume contest. The staff will be in costume too! There will be free cider and donuts, pumpkin carving contest, sampling fest and trick or treat street!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

This was another non-grocery shopping week for me. We are pretty well stocked on our meat since we got our meat from the pig. I did stop by Kroger for a few "freebies" but ended up having to get rain checks.

I did make it to 4 stores this week - CVS, Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Meijer.

CVSI made two trips to CVS this week - this is the second one. (You can read about my first stop here.)

Total OOP: $2.01 - - Earned $1.69 ECB for PowerAde and $4.00 for the Colgate (which as I mentioned in an early post was a limit of 5, not 2)

Wal-MartI went to Wal-Mart in hopes of finding a bench (or something to store our blankets in) for our family room but had no luck. So, I picked up a few items while I was there.

I used a coupon for everything pictures except for the bread. Total OOP: $6.27

WalgreensOver the past couple weeks, I have had lots of problems with coupons at Walgreens. They wouldn't let me use the Pert Plus October IVC and Pert Plus Manufacturer coupon without having another item...

Total OOP: $4.45

MeijerThe first trip for the 4 boxes was $1.96 OOP - - saved $11.00. I had to do 2 transactions as my store only double two like coupons. I also got a rain check for the Smuckers Uncrustables while I was there...so I can go back and get 12 for the $1.49 price!

I stopped by this morning for the One day sale. I got 6 packs of 6-Mega Rolls, 2 boxes of Taco Bell Tacos, Jalapeno Cheetos (not shown) and 4 boxes of Smuckers Uncrustables (2 not shown). I had to do 3 transactions since the toilet paper was limit 2.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Ok, so this week there wasn't a weight loss. The good part of it - there wasn't a gain either. I can honestly say that I didn't really try this week. My fiance was out of town and I wanted to get some cleaning done around here. So, I gave up my cardio workouts. The only workout I got this week was walking to get my son from school 4 days this week. I can't say I will be doing that this coming week. It's going to be too cold for me (40's); I'm a wimp!

My fiance is off until November 2nd. I don't know what his plans are so I'm going not going to make my goals to hard. I may be painting all week which means the treadmill will not be accessible.

On Monday, Christie asked us to show or tell something fun or helpful. Mine is a workout tool that I can't live without - it's my stability ball. I love it! I can do it while I am reading to my son, watching tv or just passing time. Here are some of the workouts that I do.

Visit Baby Tea Leaves to see how others are doing or to join in on the fun.

My love this week is Garnier Fructis Style – Curl Shaping Spray Gel.It’s one of the greatest styling products I’ve found in a long time.My hair is normally straight as a board.Not that I straighten - it’s just straight and fine normally.It’s probably been 2 years or longer since I had gotten a perm (to add body to may hair).This product helps add the curl back into my hair.It’s came in quite handy this week since I’ve been cleaning every nook & cranny.

I apply it to my wet hair after I get out of the shower in the morning.It just sprays on.Then I normally run my fingers throw it and then shake it back in place.My hair’s done.It won’t be straight or frizzy when it dries either!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

I wanted to recap all the free events going on this weekend – October 24th-26th. This will allow you to easily plan your weekend, if you are trying to hit one or two, maybe even more, of the events. To get more information about one of the events listed, just click it – it will take you to my post which has the details.

The 3rd Annual Bow Wow Ween Pet Parade and costume contest will take place Saturday, October 25th at The Greene. Pre-registration is $15 per pet or $20 per pet the day of the event. Registration starts at 12:30pm the day of the event. Parade begins at 1:15pm. The costume contest (only open to registered walkers) will begin immediately following the event. All donations collected benefits the abused, abandoned and homeless animals of the Miami Valley (via SICSA & The Humane Society of the MV). Click herefor more information about this event.

Kid Fest is Saturday, October 25th from 12:30pm - 4:30pm at The Greene. Come dressed up or as yourself! The event will have live music from Dorie & the Daddy-o's. Activities include: wax hands, inflatables, magician, balloon artist, costumed characters and more! Click here for more information about this event.

Walgreens has released a $5 off $20 purchase coupon. This time it's good for 2 days - Friday, October 24th and Saturday, October 25th! You can get yours here. Remember to print two if you have a CVS nearby that accepts competitor coupons.

Want to know about these coupons and other offers when everyone else does? Register here.

If you have a CVS nearby that takes competitor coupons, here are some deals (in brief) you could take advantage of this weekend: (see ad for complete details on the offers)

Toys R Us is having a 2 day Super Deal Sale. Door Busters are Friday Late - 3pm-10pm and Early Saturday - 8am-1pm. Click here to see the ad.

Here are a few of the Door Busters:Wii games (Balloon Pop and Avatar the Burning Earth) for $9.99Sony 2GB Walkman Video MP3 Player for $44.99 (holds up to 1150 songs or up to 7 hours of videos)Nintendo DS games (Flash Focus, Cars Mater National, The Golden Compass, Avartar the Burning Earth) for $9.99Sweet Secrets Mall Playset $8.99Dream Dazzler Cheerleader Practice Mat $4.99

Toys R Us is hosting a "R" Family Video Game Day on Saturday, October 25th from 12-4pm. It's your chance to play some of the hottest new video games. You will also receive a $10 off coupon for select games. Limit one per participant. Coupon is only valid on 10/25/08 and 10/26/08. Click here to find a store near you.

Have you joined General Mill's "Pssst" Product testing that I mentioned here? Recently I was given the opportunity to try the Pillsbury Flaky Twists with chocolate icing and Pillsbury Thin Pizza Crust. I even received extra coupons to pass out to family and friends which I did...I didn't keep them for myself!

We tried the Pillsbury Flaky Twists first. They come 8 to a package and cook for about 12-15 minutes. Very easy to make. Smelled yummy too. These went over very well in our house. Let's just say there weren't any left and I only got one! My kids are big donut fans...this was there "donut". Needless to say, these have made my grocery sale lists...when on sale, purchase!

On pizza night, we decided to use the Pillsbury Thin Pizza Crust for the kids pizza (ours has too much toppings for thin crust). Since the instructions sounded so easy, I left the pizza making up to the kids. They loved it and are ready to do it again. Again, we were very satisfied with the thin crust, even though I'm not a thin pizza crust person.

So, why not give it a try? Sign up and start enjoying great products yourself!

Remember on Tuesday when I told you about the Steal a Base, Steal A Taco promotion @ Taco Bell. Well, Tampa Bay Ray's player, Jason Bartlett, stole a base in game 1 of the 2008 World Series last night (Phillies won by the way - 3-2). Taco Bell will giving away 1 free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco per person on 10/28/08 for 2pm-6pm at participating locations! Mark you calendars - another freebie!

Now there's still another chance for a free taco on 11/3/08 if a base is stolen in game 5-7...stay tuned!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Do you have a dryer lint brush?I didn’t until recently.At first, I didn’t know what it was.I asked, “What am I supposed to do with this thing?”I can honestly say that until I got this dryer lint brush the only thing I would do is clean out the lent trap.What ended up on the trap became trash and everything else stayed in there.Not only do I use it to clean out the dryer lint trap,I use it to clean out the dryer vent (inside and out) then under the washer, dryer, stove and refrigerator.Really, it can be used to clean under anything that has a small bit of room under it.We’ve used it to get things out from under dressers and the couch.It works for me!It sure beats my kids bring a tree branch into my house to reach under something to get their toy out or me having to move a heavy appliance to clean the dust out. Plus, it reduces our risk of a dryer fire!

Did you see the commercial advertising the special Halloween Treats this weekend at Old Navy? I only got a quick glance of it. There's nothing on their website, of course. Here's the information that I do have. You may want to call your local store to make sure they are participating. I think I'm going to pass on this event but head there tomorrow for "up to 75% off".

Old Navy will be giving away FREE tees for kids that wear their Halloween costume to the Old Navy costume party on Saturday, October 25th at 11:00am. The shirts are available for children under 13 and only while supplies last. Free t-shirt giveaway will end at 11:30am. My thought - these shirts are going to go fast!

There will be "treats" every hour - discounts or something sweet. While there, the first 100 customers will have a chance to with their purchase.

Even though Marsh is having an "Under a Dollar Event", there really was not much that I found appealing. I'll share with you what I found though.

Now these sale prices are based on you using your Fresh Idea card. Don't have one? No need to worry, just stop by the front office on your way into the store. Also, you may want to check out their internet coupon policy before heading out. They do double coupons up to $.50, everything over is face value. You will also want to link your Fresh Idea card to UPromise and to Fresh Ideas for Education (points go to your school for your purchases).

The do have two deals where you save $4 instantly; however, I'm not clear on whether the ad prices are sale prices then the $4 comes off or if they are the prices after the instant $4 savings. Does anyone know? I'm not as familiar with Marsh as I used to be...I'm getting back there though.

Save $4 – when you purchase any 6 of the items listed below in a single transaction using your Marsh Fresh IDEA card.Limit 1 per transaction.

The 2008 Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants. Golden Corralis making this "thank you" dinner available to any person that has ever served in the U.S. Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner.

Lowe's is hosting Commercial Appreciation days on October 22 - 24, 2008. There will be special offers, promotions, product demos and more. There will be free coffee and donuts from open to 10am each day, free lunch on Friday from 11am to 2pm. It is reported there will be several vendors on site giving away stuff.

I'll be going with my fiancé on Friday. Hopefully, I can score a free t-shirt or something worthwhile.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

5 Minutes for Mom has teamed up with Sony Playstation to bring PSP (PlayStation Portable) systems to kids with life threatening or long term illnesses. There will be 10 "winners". Want to know how you can help?

Do you know a child/teenager who is battling a serious or life threatening illness who could really use this gift but, due to financial limitations, their family cannot afford one? If so, nominate them. See 5 Minutes for Mom's post for complete details. If not, visit 5 Minutes for Mom's post for information on spreading the word.

Grab you family for a Kids' Open House Haunt at your Kroger Marketplace on Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 12-3pm. Receive your "Passport to Fun" to participate in great children's activities. Passport to Fun is for children 12 and under.

Buy any a pair of RIGGS WORKWEAR® by Wrangler® pants and get a $10 rebate back by mail. All RIGGS WORKWEAR denim, ripstop and FR bottoms are included. These are premium quality denim that stands up to the toughest working conditions. Since there's no limit on the number of purchases, it's a great time to stock up or buy as Christmas gifts. This offer is good October 1 - October 31, 2008. Click here to find a retailer

I’ve decided to try to squeeze in some extra exercise this week while my fiancé is out of town working.To do that, I decided we would walk to get my older son from school.Sound easy, huh?Not really.My younger son rides his bike and my older son hates to walk the .8 mile from the school to the house.

On Monday, I decided that I would ride my older son’s bike to the school and let him ride it home.I don’t mind walking.Bad idea!Fifteen minutes before we were going to leave I got the bike out and the chain was off.I spent fifteen minutes trying to fix it – no luck.We walked while the younger one rode his bike.We did decide on a better solution the electric scooter.So, we charged it.

Today, we waited a little later to leave since we were going to be able to zip that .8 miles to the school.Nope!I didn’t know how to get the electric scooter to go.I guess I should have asked but I’m mom and I’m supposed to know, right?We got to the school and my son wanted to know where his scooter was…my reply, “In the garage, it’s broke!”We walked again while the younger one rode his bike.

When we got home, I decided to have my 8 year old show me how to work the scooter (like above).He didn't have teh seat on it. Let’s just say I know why you should always wear a helmet (and full body gear in my case).He gave me a quick lesson and off I went.But how do I stop?!?Wow – I was all confused.I finally, after a couple mishaps, got the hang of it and it is pretty slick!I might have to use this to go get my extra papers on Sunday morning or a quick run to the bank.

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